A second year student of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay died by suicide on Friday evening, after being caught using a mobile phone during an examination.
The student was enrolled in the Department of Energy Science and Engineering. This was reportedly the third suicide at the IIT Powai campus in six months.
Student Uploaded Question Paper to ChatGPT
According to IIT Bombay, the student had uploaded the examination question paper to ChatGPT to seek answers after using his mobile phone during the exam.
The institute said no disciplinary action had been initiated against him.
The matter was discussed with the student by the instructor and the Head of the Department, who counselled him and assured him that the incident would not adversely affect his academic career.
The student subsequently returned to his hostel room. Later that evening, he was found dead in his room.
IIT Bombay Expresses Condolences
IIT Bombay said it was “deeply saddened” by the death of the student.
“The Institute is extending support to the student’s friends, classmates, faculty members, and others affected by this tragic incident. The circumstances surrounding the death are being looked into by the appropriate authorities,” the institute said in a statement.
Students Protest on Campus
Following the incident, a large number of students gathered on campus and held a protest, demanding accountability and transparency from the administration.
“The reason for our protest is that a suicide took place in our college today. That is why we have gathered to protest, to demand accountability, transparency, and answers from our administration,” a student said.
“This is not the first incident, four have happened this year alone, and two within the last two months. We have no idea why this is happening, what the reasons are behind all this,” the student added.
Heavy police security was deployed on the campus as students and the administration held discussions over their demands.
Police Begin Investigation
Senior police officer Dattatray Nalawade said an investigation into the death was underway.
“Today, a student died by suicide at IIT Powai. Following this, some IIT students gathered and started a protest over their demands. The IIT administration is holding discussions with them to reach an amicable solution,” he said.
